British Values / PSHE RSE

We recognise that Britain is a united nation where freedom of speech is an entitlement for all and we strive to ensure that all members of the Academy are treated with respect when sharing their views and opinions. It is our aim that the core ‘British Values’ set out by government to be delivered in schools (2011 Prevent Strategy) are not only embedded within our curriculum but are actively demonstrated in our every day practice.

Democracy

From the election of the Head of Houses to the choice of the Academy’s charities we rely on democratic process. This is not restricted to ‘giving people a vote’ but also encourages people to present a case and involve themselves in educated debate about the issues at hand. Reporting back on issues discussed and representing others is a core part of this process. The principle of democracy is also explored in the History curriculum as well as in form time and assemblies.

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws, whether they are those that govern the class, the school, or the country are consistently reinforced at the King James Academy Royston. The rules and expectations of the Academy are made clear to all stakeholders as is people’s duty to uphold them and identify those people who do not. We believe in a culture of restorative justice where ‘rule breakers’ are given every opportunity to repair relationships or correct any wrongs. Students are given opportunity to take part in debates and Law is a topic covered in assemblies and form time. We also work closely with outside agencies including Hertfordshire police, the fire service and other organisations to promote understanding of rules and their consequences in wider society. The rules of law both here and abroad are covered in the curriculum through History, English and Religious Education.

Individual Liberty

At the King James Academy Royston, we provide students with a safe and secure environment where they can express their individual views and opinions. We encourage students to learn about both their rights and personal freedoms, but also the contrasts between those we take for granted and those in other parts of the world. We take pride in demonstrating the liberty we have as a nation and how we should all be respectful of others points of views whilst being vigilant of those views which could lead to discrimination, radicalisation or extremism. All subjects within the curriculum try at appropriate times to provide students opportunities to individually express themselves. We also ensure that the right to individual thought and free speech is taken responsibly and safely, for example through ensuring students are fully aware of the internet and e-safety. the King James Academy Royston has a robust anti-bullying culture and has in place comprehensive student discipline policies.

Mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs.

Expressing individual views is an important part of our learning culture but it must always be conducted in conjunction with respecting the views and rights of others. The Academy follows equal opportunities guidance which guarantees that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar. The King James Academy Royston is dedicated to preparing students for their lives beyond school and ensuring that it promotes and reinforces British values to all its students and a mutual respect of the views of others.

PSHE at King James Academy

At King James Academy, Royston, it is important to us that we ensure that our students are given the best chances in developing into respectable adults, and one of the primary ways to accomplish this is through the PSHE curriculum.

The PSHE currriculum is comprised of five main focus areas. These are:

One of the most important things regarding PSHE education is that the content being provided for the topics is age-specific, and will be developed upon more as they become older. We are also supported by external providers for certain topics, should this be the most appropriate manner to deliver the information in question.

The students will always have a chance to learn this information in their form-time activites, and in assemblies throughout the year, as well as the various drop-down days across all three terms, in which the students spend the day learning about the wider world around them.

Our PSHE curriculum is decided with current events in mind - so the students will have the opportunity to learn about the things going on around them as they grow. For example, this could include topics such as the recent rise of knife crime. It is also delivered in line with statutory requirements - especially in the case of a topic such as RSE.

Through learning these topics, we provide our students with opportunities to develop and demonstrate the key character values at King James Academy - Resilience, Respect, Aspiration and Challenge.